GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The series of increases in fuel prices has started to take its toll on the tuna fishing industry here, with some operators reportedly considering suspending operations to avoid further losses.
Industry players had estimated that fuel costs, specifically diesel, take up about 60 percent of the total expenses of a regular fishing operation, depending on the distance of the fishing grounds. He said fishing operators might have no other option later on as it is not also viable to continue a losing operation.
The local government has supported the group’s call to the national government to suspend the value-added tax and excise tax on fuel as immediate relief, he said. Salazar also called on the national government, especially the Department of Agriculture, to control the entry of fish imports into the country amid the situation.